It takes at least two things to get through the adverse effects of a severe storm. Preparation and patience. Not only can they make an uncomfortable situation tolerable, sometimes they may actually save your life.

By following these suggestions, you will be as ready as anyone can be to handle the unexpected knocks of a nasty storm. And hopefully, by being well prepared, you will enjoy a certain peace of mind during that period after a storm hits and before your life is back to normal. If you would like answers to any additional questions about storm preparation or electric service, you can always call NU. We welcome the opportunity to serve you anytime, 365 days a year. 1-800-286-2000 (1-860-947-2000 in the Hartford, Conn. calling area).

1. Check Medications that require refrigeration.

Be sure you know if they will be affected by a prolonged interruption of power. You may want to talk with your pharmacist. You may also want to keep a small cooler handy.

2. Put refrigerator and freezer at coldest settings.

Do this a half day or so before the storm is scheduled to hit. Keep a blanket handy to throw over these appliances for added insulation, if need be. (Be sure to return the settings to their normal position as soon as the crisis has passed).

3. Get extra ice.

Ice helps maintain cold temperatures in your freezer and refrigerator. Use plastic bags filled with ice (or water, if you have enough time to freeze it) in the freezer. Use block ice, if possible, in the refrigerator. And should the ice melt, you can drink the water.

4. Set aside water.

This is vital if you depend on a water pump that might be disabled during a storm. Sanitize and fill spare containers with water for drinking. Fill your bathtub with water for use in the toilet. A bucket of water poured in the toilet bowl is all that's needed for flushing. If for any reason you don't have an adequate supply of water to save, and are unable to get enough from friends or neighbors, call your municipal officials (including town clerk, police or fire station) to ask about nearby water sources.

5. Be prepared to cook outside.

It is possible that your stove will be knocked out of operation, so you may wish to use your backyard grill for cooking. However, please beware! Do not bring the grill indoors. A grill without proper ventilation can be deadly. It is possible to use Sterno or a comparable fuel indoors to heat food.

6. Stock up on batteries and easy-to-prepare food.

Give yourself the greatest flexibility in meal preparation, and the greatest comfort once the sun goes down. Don't forget flashlights (one for each person in your family), batteries, and a manual can opener.

7. Prepare alternative sources of heat.

Even a gas or oil furnace needs electricity to operate, so if you have a fireplace or wood stove as an alternative heat source, be sure you have enough wood. A portable electric generator can be a valuable backup source of power to operate your furnace and appliances. Just be sure you have it installed by a professional and click here for important information on generating your own electricity . If you have no alternative heat, find out where an emergency shelter will be, if it is needed. Call your local fire or police department or local Red Cross chapter.

8. Unplug sensitive equipment.

Voltage irregularities can occur for any number of reasons during or after a storm, especially if there has been damage on or near your home. The safest thing to do is to unplug any sensitive electrical devices (e.g. TV, VCR, stereo, microwave, computer, answering machine, garage door opener). Planning ahead, you may wish to consider surge suppressors. They can be purchased either for individual pieces of equipment, or for your entire house.

9. Fill your car's gas tank.

You just never know where you may need to go. What's more, your automobile can be a place to get warm, as long as you keep it well ventilated and don't sleep while the motor is running.

10. Plan to live without everyday tools that need electricity.

Your garage door opener, for example. Be sure you know how to get the door open and shut manually. And if you keep your cellar free from flooding by using an electric sump pump, be prepared to call your local fire department for help if you lose power for very long.

11. Keep a battery-operated radio handy.

Be ready to stay informed with the storm's progress, as well as safety tips and clean-up operations. Don't forget fresh batteries.

12. Remember: stay away from downed power lines.